Masteries

Offense:
8

Defense:
1

Utility:
21

Now you may ask "Why in the world would Taric go all-out attack speed?" and start pelting me with insults. But first, hear me out.

Whenever I played as Taric, I would always be surrounded by low-hp teammates, begging me for a heal. As they swiftly perished at my feet at the hands of my smug enemies, with me at half mana, I would helplessly run home feeling like an ineffective coward. I asked myself, "Why is my cooldown so lengthy? Is there not a way to become the ULTIMATE INDESTRUCTIBLE HEALING MACHINE?" and then the answer kicked me in the face.

Two words: Attack Speed (with a lot of cooldown reduction and mana regeneration).

Let me just point out the perks for you:

1. The attack speed will complement his passive: replenishing mana for 7.5% damage dealt.
2. Constantly attacking a target, you will be able to heal every TWO seconds (making you the best healer in the entire game).
3. Armor aura recharges much earlier.
4. Stun available much earlier.
5. Ultimate (of which the cooldown is already brief) available much earlier (so you can activate it at the drop of a hat, no worries).

If you're having a difficult time visualizing this, let me provide some example situations:

-Your teammates are engaged in heavy battle, you jump in and start hitting something, anything! Because your heal ability's cooldown decreases by two seconds when you hit something, you are able to heal with unbelievable speed. If the damage is focused on you, you keep healing yourself (with ult on of course), literally becoming an invincible meat shield for your buddies.

-If the circumstances are right, you can win a duel againt most melee fighters simply because your health outlasts theirs (with ult on and constant healing).

-You can solo a tower at full hp with your ult on with constant healing (It will require a heavy dosage of mana, however. Have clarity ready if you even think of attempting this.)

-Basically, as long as you have mana, the safety of your teammates, and also your protection, are insured.

Remember this:
-Considering that your ult gives you 90 attack damage (plus everything I just mentioned above), don't hesitate to get involved in a solo fight.
-If you find yourself outnumbered with no hope of escape (also with low hp), it is better to stay and fight. You will not be able to land decent hits on the run (in order to decrease the cooldown on your heal). Thus, activate your ult, start whacking someone, start healing yourself, and hopefully your teammates will arrive to rescue you before you run out of mana.